MIT OpenCourseWare: Recently Archived Courses

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Kate James — 2008-08-25T11:59:59-04:00

You look to OCW for great classic courses like:

24.954 Pragmatics in Linguistic Theory
8.251 String Theory for Undergraduates
HST.921 Information Technology in the Health Care System of the Future

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24.119 Mind and Machines (MIT)

Byrne, Alexander — 2008-08-21T02:39:08-04:00

Examination of problems in the intersection of artificial intelligence, psychology, and philosophy. Issues discussed: whether people are Turing Machines, whether computers can be conscious, limitations on what computers can do, computation and neurophysiology, the Turing test, the analog/digital distinction, the Chinese Room argument, the causal efficacy of content, the inverted spectrum, mental representation, procedural semantics, connectionism, the relation between simulation and explanation, and whether some aspects of mentality are more resistant to programming than others. From the course home page: Course Description This course is an introduction to many of the central issues in a branch of philosophy called philosophy of mind. Some of the questions we will discuss include the following. Can computers think? Is the mind an immaterial thing? Or is the mind the brain? Or does the mind stand to the brain as a computer program stands to the hardware? How can creatures like ourselves think thoughts that are "about" things? (For example, we can all think that Aristotle is a philosopher, and in that sense think "about" Aristotle, but what is the explanation of this quite remarkable ability?) Can I know whether your experiences and my experiences when we look at raspberries, fire trucks and stop lights are the same? Can consciousness be given a scientific explanation?

22.611J Introduction To Plasma Physics I (MIT)

Molvig, Kim — 2008-08-21T02:39:07-04:00

Introduces plasma phenomena relevant to energy generation by controlled thermonuclear fusion and to astrophysics. Basic plasma properties and collective behavior. Coulomb collisions and transport processes. Motion of charged particles in magnetic fields; plasma confinement schemes. MHD models; simple equilibrium and stability analysis. Two-fluid hydrodynamic plasma models; wave propagation in a magnetic field. Introduces kinetic theory; Vlasov plasma model; electron plasma waves and Landau damping; ion-acoustic waves; streaming instabilities. A subject description tailored to fit the background and interests of the attending students distributed shortly before and at the beginning of the subject.

3.91J Mechanical Behavior of Plastics (MIT)

Roylance, David — 2008-08-21T02:38:58-04:00

Relation among chemical composition, physical structure, and mechanical behavior of plastics or synthetic high polymers. Study of types of polymers; fundamentals of viscoelastic phenomena such as creep, stress relaxation, stress rupture, mechanical damping, impact; effects of chemical composition and structure on viscoelastic and strength properties; methods of mechanical property evaluation. Influences of plastics fabrication methods. Emphasis on recent research techniques and results. Individual laboratory projects investigating problems related to current research.

24.954 Pragmatics in Linguistic Theory (MIT)

Von Fintel, Kai — 2008-08-14T12:38:30-04:00

Formal theories of context-dependency, presupposition, implicature, context-change, focus and topic. Special emphasis on the division of labor between semantics and pragmatics. Applications to the analysis of quantification, definiteness, presupposition projection, conditionals and modality, anaphora, questions and answers.

8.251 String Theory for Undergraduates (MIT)

Zwiebach, Barton — 2008-08-14T12:38:30-04:00

Introduction to the main concepts of string theory to undergraduates. Since string theory is quantum mechanics of a relativistic string, the foundations of the subject can be explained to students exposed to both special relativity (8.033) and basic quantum mechanics (8.05). Subject develops the aspects of string theory and makes it accessible to students familiar with basic electromagnetism (8.02) and statistical mechanics (8.044). This includes the study of D-branes and string thermodynamics. From the course home page: Course Description This course introduces string theory to undergraduate and is based upon Prof. Zwiebach's textbook entitled A First Course in String Theory. Since string theory is quantum mechanics of a relativistic string, the foundations of the subject can be explained to students exposed to both special relativity and basic quantum mechanics. This course develops the aspects of string theory and makes it accessible to students familiar with basic electromagnetism and statistical mechanics.

HST.921 Information Technology in the Health Care System of the Future (MIT)

Locke, Steven E. (Steven Elliot) — 2008-08-14T12:38:29-04:00

The healthcare system in the US has been in the midst of a rapid transition in response to changing trends and patterns of care. The growing emphasis on evidence-based medical practice, continuous quality improvement, clinical and cost-effectiveness, and risk management have led to a sea change in medical practice that has been stressful for clinicians, patients, and administrators. As care becomes more tightly managed, it becomes a challenge for clinicians, administrators, and patients to balance time, money, resources, and clinical outcomes. Can emerging technologies help solve these complex problems? How has the demise of the dot.com industry effected these trends and slowed the proliferation of potential solutions? This innovative, trans-faculty course will teach the student how information technologies are shaping and redefining the health care marketplace through examining aspects related to 1) improved economies of scale, 2) greater technical and business efficiencies in the delivery of care to patients, 3) advanced tools for patient education and self-care, 4) network integrated decision support tools for clinicians, and 5) e-health applications and e-commerce. Students are required to take this course in conjunction with HST 923, the tutorial/practicum portion of the course, where they will work in interdisciplinary teams (including students in medicine, business, law, engineering, computer science, media, public health, and government) to analyze, develop, and present an innovative solution to a current or future clinical management program or health care problem which will incorporate (but is not limited to) management techniques, services, and technologies as presented during lectures and laboratories. Students' proposed solutions will draw upon their understanding of tools and principles acquired during the course and will be presented as an application design on the final day of the course. Opportunities to interact with corporate sponsors will enhance the emphasis on practical solutions to real world problems.Sponsored driven projects in past years have included those from Pfizer Health Solutions, Merck, Johnson and Johnson, Mass General, and Warner Lambert. (Note: A special project will be organized and supported by the faculty this year to help students identify ways to support efforts to combat bio-terrorism through improved uses of clinical and bioinformatic systems.)

8.231 Physics of Solids I (MIT)

Greytak, Thomas John, 1940- — 2008-08-14T12:38:28-04:00

Introduction to the basic concepts of the quantum theory of solids. Topics: periodic structure and symmetry of crystals; diffraction; reciprocal lattice; chemical bonding; lattice dynamics, phonons, thermal properties; free electron gas; model of metals; Bloch theorem and band structure, nearly free electron approximation; tight binding method; Fermi surface; semiconductors, electrons, holes, impurities; optical properties, excitons; and magnetism. From the course home page: Course Highlights Physics of Solids I provides an introduction to the basic concepts of the quantum theory of solids. This website features comprehensive problem sets. Course Description The topics covered in this course include: * Periodic Structure and Symmetry of Crystals * Diffraction, Reciprocal Lattice * Chemical Bonding * Lattice Dynamics * Phonons * Thermal Properties * Free Electron Gas * Model of Metals * Bloch Theorem and Band Structure * Nearly Free Electron Approximation * Tight Binding Method * Fermi Surface * Semiconductors * Electrons * Holes * Impurities * Optical Properties * Excitons and * Magnetism

MAS.622 Pattern Recognition & Analysis (MIT)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Media Laboratory. — 2008-08-14T12:38:26-04:00

Fundamentals of characterizing and recognizing patterns and features of interest in numerical data. Basic tools and theory for signal understanding problems with applications to user modeling, affect recognition, speech recognition and understanding, computer vision, physiological analysis, and more. Decision theory, statistical classification, maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation, non-parametric methods, unsupervised learning and clustering. Additional topics on machine and human learning from active research.

3.205 Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials (MIT)

Allen, Samuel M. — 2008-07-17T02:21:25-04:00

Laws of thermodynamics applied to materials and materials processes. Solution theory. Equilibrium diagrams. Overview of fluid transport processes. Kinetics of processes that occur in materials, including diffusion, phase transformations, and the development of microstructure.

PE.210 SCUBA (MIT)

Taylor, Halston W. — 2008-07-17T12:34:48-04:00

This course will thoroughly educate the successful student with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a certified beginning SCUBA diver. The prerequisite for the course is passing the MIT SCUBA swim test and demonstrating a "comfort level" in the water. At the end of the class, students will attempt to pass the certification exam to become certified divers. The class is taught in two parts each week: a classroom session and a pool session. The classroom sessions along with the reading material will provide the student with the knowledge necessary to pass the written exam. At the pool, the water skills are taught in progressions that build on the previous skills, making the difficult skills seem easy.

4.493 Natural Light in Design (MIT)

Andersen, Marilyne — 2008-07-17T12:34:47-04:00

Today, computer-based simulations are becoming increasingly popular, especially when daylighting and energy conservation are amongst the key goals for a project. This two-week workshop will expose participants to the current daylighting simulation models and beyond, by introducing realistic and dynamic assessment methods through hands-on exercises and application to a design project. Open to students and practitioners.

4.492 Daylighting (MIT)

Andersen, Marilyne — 2008-07-17T12:34:45-04:00

The course focuses on the use and optimization of daylight in buildings and on its complementarity to artificial (electric) lighting, to aim at reducing the building's environmental impact while improving the visual comfort of the inhabitants. Fundamentals of daylighting and artificial lighting will first be introduced. More advanced and design-oriented topics will then be presented and practiced through the design project.

3.014 Materials Laboratory (MIT)

Mayes, Anne M. — 2008-07-17T12:34:43-04:00

This course is a required sophomore subject in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, designed to be taken in conjunction with the core lecture subject 3.012 Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering <**link to course>. The laboratory subject combines experiments illustrating the principles of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and structure with intensive oral and written technical communication practice. Specific topics include: experimental exploration of the connections between energetics, bonding and structure of materials, and application of these principles in instruments for materials characterization; demonstration of the wave-like nature of electrons; hands-on experience with techniques to quantify energy (DSC), bonding (XPS, AES, FTIR, UV/vis and force spectroscopy), and degree of order (x-ray scattering) in condensed matter; and investigation of structural transitions and structure-property relationships through practical materials examples.

5.60 Thermodynamics & Kinetics (MIT)

Bawendi, Moungi Gabriel, 1961- — 2008-07-17T12:34:41-04:00

This subject deals primarily with equilibrium properties of macroscopic systems, basic thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium of reactions in gas and solution phase, and rates of chemical reactions.

5.74 Introductory Quantum Mechanics II (MIT)

Tokmakoff, Andrei — 2008-07-17T12:34:40-04:00

Time-dependent quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. Topics covered include perturbation theory, two-level systems, light-matter interactions, relaxation in quantum systems, correlation functions and linear response theory, and nonlinear spectroscopy. From the course home page: Course Description This class covers topics in time-dependent quantum mechanics, molecular spectroscopy, and relaxation, with an emphasis on descriptions applicable to condensed phase problems and a statistical description of ensembles.

14.452 Macroeconomic Theory II (MIT)

Blanchard, Olivier (Olivier J.) — 2008-06-26T01:33:44-04:00

The basic machines of macroeconomics. Ramsey, Solow, Samuelson-Diamond, RBCs, ISLM, Mundell-Fleming, Fischer-Taylor. How they work, what shortcuts they take, and how they can be used. Half-term subject. From the course home page: Course Description This is the second course in the four-quarter graduate sequence in macroeconomics. Its purpose is to introduce the basic models macroeconomists use to study fluctuations. The course is organized around nine topics/sections: Fluctuations and Facts; The basic model: the consumption/saving choice; Allowing for a labor/leisure choice (the RBC model); Allowing for non trivial investment decisions; Allowing for two goods; Introducing money; Introducing price setting; Introducing staggering of price decisions; and Applications to fiscal and monetary policy.

14.04 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory (MIT)

Izmalkov, Sergei — 2008-06-26T01:33:42-04:00

Basic theory of consumer behavior, production and costs, partial equilibrium analysis of pricing in competitive and monopolistic markets, general equilibrium, welfare, and externalities. Credit not given for both 14.03 and 14.04. May not count toward HASS Requirement. Recommended for students planning to apply to graduate school in economics, accounting, or finance.

9.04 Neural Basis of Vision and Audtion (MIT)

Schiller, Peter H. — 2008-06-19T01:35:25-04:00

Examines the neural bases of visual and auditory processing for perception and sensorimotor control. Focuses on physiological and anatomical studies of the mammalian nervous system as well as behavioral studies of animals and humans. Studies visual pattern, color and depth perception, auditory responses and speech coding, and spatial localization. Offered alternate years.

1.138J Wave Propagation (MIT)

Akylas, Triantaphyllos R. — 2008-06-19T01:35:22-04:00

This course discusses the Linearized theory of wave phenomena in applied mechanics. Examples are chosen from elasticity, acoustics, geophysics, hydrodynamics and other subjects. The topics include: basic concepts, one dimensional examples, characteristics, dispersion and group velocity, scattering, transmission and reflection, two dimensional reflection and refraction across an interface, mode conversion in elastic waves, diffraction and parabolic approximation, radiation from a line source, surface Rayleigh waves and Love waves in elastic media, waves on the sea surface and internal waves in a stratified fluid, waves in moving media, ship wave pattern, atmospheric lee waves behind an obstacle, and waves through a laminated media, etc.

12.820 Turbulence in Geophysical Systems (MIT)

Ferrari, Raffaele — 2008-04-04T12:44:05-04:00

This course presents the phenomena, theory, and modeling of turbulence in the Earth's oceans and atmosphere. The scope ranges from the fine structure to planetary scale motions. The regimes of turbulence include homogeneous flows in two and three dimensions, geostrophic motions, shear flows, convection, boundary layers, stably stratified flows, and internal waves.

12.480 Thermodynamics for Geoscientists (MIT)

Grove, Timothy L. — 2008-04-04T12:44:04-04:00

Principles of thermodynamics are used to infer the physical conditions of formation and modification of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Includes phase equilibria of homogeneous and heterogeneous systems and thermodynamic modelling of non-ideal crystalline solutions. Surveys the processes that lead to the formation of metamorphic and igneous rocks in the major tectonic environments in the Earth's crust and mantle.

11.432J Real Estate Finance & Investments II: Macro-Level Analysis & Advanced Topics (MIT)

Geltner, David, 1951- — 2008-04-04T12:44:03-04:00

The evolving organization and operation of real estate capital markets. Sources of real estate capital. Primary and secondary mortgage markets. The investment behavior of real estate assets. The development of REITs and securitized debt markets. Advanced pricing techniques for complex real estate securities. From the course home page: Course Description This course presents some of the major concepts, principles, analytical methods and tools useful for making investment and finance decisions regarding commercial real estate assets. As the second in a two-course sequence, this course focuses on more advanced topics and the "macro" level, which pertains to decisions about collections of many individual real estate assets, that is, portfolio or firm level decisions and investment management considerations. (More fundamental "micro" level analysis, pertaining to individual properties and deals, is covered in 11.431 taught in the fall semester). This course also introduces and surveys the major public capital market real estate vehicles, REITs and MBS. Other topics treated include a selection among such subjects as real options, land valuation, development project financial analysis, corporate real estate, capital structure, portfolio strategy, equilibrium pricing of asset classes, investment performance measurement and benchmarking, investment management, and international real estate investing (not all subjects covered every semester). Students can take 11.432/15.427 without having taken 11.431/15.426 provided they have taken 15.401. Such students may have to do some review of the real estate terminology presented in the earlier course if they are not already familiar with basic real estate finance and investment terminology (see the "Key Terms" listed in the backs especially of Chs.1, 9, 11, 14, 16-18 of the text).

11.431J Real Estate Finance and Investment (MIT)

Geltner, David, 1951- — 2008-04-04T12:44:00-04:00

Concepts and techniques for analyzing financial decisions in property development and investment. Topics: leasing and property income streams, pro forma analysis, equity valuation, tax analysis, options, risk, and the financial structuring of real property ownership. From the course home page: Course Description This course is an introduction to the most fundamental concepts, principles, analytical methods and tools useful for making investment and finance decisions regarding commercial real estate assets. As the first of a two-course sequence, this course will focus on the basic building blocks and the "micro" level, which pertains to individual properties and deals (as distinguished from the "macro" level that pertains to portfolio and investment management considerations - the macro level will be covered in 11.432 next spring). While we will touch on real estate development in this course, we will focus here on "stabilized" (fully operational) income properties. (Financial analysis of real estate development will be covered in more depth in 11.432.) Our perspective will be that of so-called "institutional" real estate decision-making (e.g., pension funds, REITs, banks, life insurance companies), regarding large-scale commercial property. At this level it is important to integrate the perspectives of "Wall Street" (the mainstream securities investments and corporate finance establishment) and "Main Street" (local, traditional real estate business community). This requires a treatment of real estate investment rigorously integrated with, and built upon, the modern corporate finance and investments perspective as taught, for example, in the Brealey-Myers text in the Sloan introductory finance theory curriculum (15.401 & 15.402). However, a key objective of this course is to recognize the unique features of real estate that distinguish it from so-called "mainstream" securities investments and corporate finance.

SP.406 Sexual and Gender Identities (MIT)

Surkan, Kim — 2008-03-11T02:52:52-04:00

This course introduces scholarly debates about sexual identities, gender identities and expressions, and sexual orientation and its representation in various media. We begin with an investigation of the theoretical underpinnings of the emerging field of queer studies, from the nineteenth century to the present day. Tracing theories of and about gender, sexuality and sexual identity over time, we will examine the genealogy of "queer" as a term that has emerged to trouble and challenge static and essentialized notions of identity. The social, cultural, and political effect of "queer" has been to pose critical challenges to gay/lesbian/straight identities predicated on a sexual binary. Queer studies shifts the focus of inquiry from sexual identities to sexual practices, many of which contradict traditional assumptions about the relationships between sex, gender, and sexuality. The course moves from a philosophical consideration of key theoretical texts (Foucault, Freud, Sedgwick, Rubin, Butler, etc.) to an exploration of the impact of those theories on historical and contemporary sexual and gender identities and communities.

21H.153J Race and Gender in Asian America (MIT)

Anonymous — 2008-03-11T02:52:52-04:00

An interdisciplinary examination of the Asian-American experience with particular emphasis on gender and race from mid-nineteenth century to present. Topics include: Asian American women's history, Asian American feminisms, gender and ethnic nationalism, images of Asian American men and women in film and media, sexuality, and the impact of immigration on gender roles. Uses extensive primary sources and audio-visual media.